Alternator

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You've probably noticed a bunch of warning lights on your dash when you start your engine. They flash on to test the circuits and then go off if everything's OK. One of the warning lights looks like a car battery. Its job is to tell you if your battery's not charging properly.

You know that your battery stores electricity – enough to start your engine and get you moving. But that's about it – you can only get a few miles in Lenexa on battery power alone. You need an alternator to generate enough electricity to run your engine and power your electrical accessories like the stereo, power seats, heater fan, on-board computers, and so on. On top of that, the alternator needs to recharge your battery. So when your alternator isn't working properly, there isn't enough electricity for all of those things. When your alternator fails, you aren't going very far.

So why would your alternator not work? Usually they've simply worn out. Alternators are driven by your serpentine belt and spin 2 to 3 times faster than the engine – that's a lot of work. The bearings wear out, as do the cooper wire coils and magnets that generate the electricity.

There's no sense in hobbling along with an alternator that's not working properly. It will fail at some point and leave you stranded. Get a bad alternator replaced as soon as you can. Your Lenexa KS service technician at BP Service will install an alternator that meets your manufacturer's specifications.

Some folks use a lot of additional electrical gizmos in the vehicle, like computers, DVD players, power inverters and such or may regularly tow a camp trailer that's battery recharges as you drive. If that sounds like you, talk with your Lenexa service advisor at BP Service about upgrading to a more heavy duty alternator to meet your needs.

When you replace your alternator, it's a good idea to replace your serpentine belt at the same time. Your technician will have to remove the old belt anyway so he might as well put on a new one when he's done. And the number-1 alternator killer is a battery that's on its last legs; the alternator has to overwork to keep it charged. If your battery is 5 years old; ask your Lenexa technician if it's time to replace it. At BP Service in Lenexa we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 913.888.3444 and let us help keep you on the road.